[NOVAC announcement] Reminder - NOVAC Meeting This Sunday

[Chris Kagy]

Good morning NOVAC,

I'm looking forward to seeing some of you on Sunday, February 9 at the
general meeting at GMU, where our guest speaker will be Joe Pesce. As a
reminder, he's presenting on The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter
Aray (ALMA) and Game-Changing Science

Dr. Pesce will explore one of the flagship observatories of the National
Science Foundation, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array
(ALMA). ALMA is the highest altitude observatory, and the most advanced
scientific instrument, on Earth. Observing in a previously under-explored
region of the electromagnetic spectrum, ALMA is making stunning
astrophysical discoveries: From our Solar System to the most distant
regions of the universe. We will discuss some of these game-changing
observations. Also on tap are some surprising new results about those
always-enigmatic objects, black holes.

Joe Pesce is an astrophysicist whose primary area of interest is in the
external environments of the galaxies hosting supermassive black holes (to
understand black hole formation and fueling). He also worked with clusters
of galaxies, and in various areas of stellar astrophysics, including the
atmospheres of cool stars (red giants; AGBs), symbiotic variable stars, and
supernova progenitors. He has been involved in observations at all
wavebands, with ground- and space-based telescopes, and has managed large
research groups. Joe previously worked at the Space Telescope Science
Institute, and the Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA.

Dr. Pesce is currently a Program Director at the National Science
Foundation, Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Division of
Astronomical Sciences where he is responsible for most of the US
Government's ground-based radio astronomy facilities (NRAO, including ALMA,
VLA, and VLBA). He is also a Part-time Professor at George Mason University
and a Visiting Professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He
founded, and served as CEO, of several firms specializing in high-level
science and technology, critical thinking and problem-solving consulting
and education. He has expertise in foreign space programs, space launch,
human space flight, emerging space programs, and science policy. He is a
thought leader in critical & creative thinking and analytic methodology
education, and an expert on STEM, leadership, and research issues.

Joe’s other interests include interspecies communication, non-human
intelligence, psychology, Sci-Fi (in particular Star Trek!), and all things
British. Combining a love of history and art, he conducts art history
research and collects art, antiquarian books, and antique furniture.

As always, any and all are welcome to join us for a pre-meeting meal at
Brion's Grille 10621 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 at 5:30 p.m.

Clear skies until then!
-Chris
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://novac.com/pipermail/announcements/attachments/20200207/1c8ca27b/attachment.html>